Make Your Characters Suffer

Only 99¢ – includes my story ‘On the Eurostar’

by C. Margery Kempe

My brother and I have been watching a lot of Austen and Dickens. He’s been especially happy to see the era of furniture he’s been buying for our 1810 house (which is slowly coming together: endless paperwork and unexpected folderol). Seriously: in Sense & Sensibility (the BBC miniseries version from a couple of years ago, which he insists on calling Sense and Sensible Shoes) there was a dresser exactly like the one he bought at auction a couple weeks ago.

Day made for him!

For me, I’ve been thinking about why I love these 19th century novels (and miniseries) and I’ve decided that it’s the suffering. The characters go through so many reversals and terrible things and unfortunate mishaps that when the end comes — for those who survive! — the pay off is that much sweeter.

Think about it: poor Elinor! Not only does she have to put up with her mother’s and sister’s histrionics and impracticalities, the death of her beloved father and the poky little cottage in Devon with the chimney that smokes — but she also has to put up with the insufferably asinine Miss Lucy Steele who flaunts her secret engagement with Edward Ferrars, the man with whom Elinor felt an instant connection. Surrounded by people who injure her genteel sensibilities (the book is so much more vicious about their neighbours and relatives), it’s a struggle to keep finding the will to live.

And worst of all, she is not appreciated! Everyone dismisses her: the only one who recognises her worth is the similarly suffering Colonel Brandon, hopelessly in love with her sister. When they both finally get happiness, it’s almost more a relief than a joy. Their suffering is over!

Likewise most Dickens’ characters. Poor Nicholas Nicholby — that horrible school! The horrible uncle (played with real smug cruelty by Christopher Plummer in the recent version) who torments his entire family and the poor, similarly suffering Madeline Bray. His life has ups and downs: no sooner does he win a respite than he is thrust once more into horror. You know by the end he will come out all right, but this is Dickens, so not everyone will make it there with him (sob! Poor Smike!).

There’s something engaging about putting your characters through the wringer. I need to make mine suffer more . Do you like to see characters face a lot of heartache before getting their happy outcome?

My publisher Tirgearr is having a special week of holiday-themed releases, including a recipe book! Be sure to join in the fun.

Monday – 3 Dec – Christmas Present by Isabo Kelly

Tuesday – 4 Dec – Dulcet by Dellani Oakes

Wednesday – 5 Dec – The Trouble with Mistletoe by Kristi Ahlers

Thursday – 6 Dec – The Power of Love by me

Friday – 7 Dec – Just Desserts by Tirgearr Authors & Staff

 

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, Kit Marlowe